Bloomindale/Fishhawk Edition

Publix Confirmed For FishHawk Area

While North American Properties has erected a sign confirming that a Publix supermarket will be built on FishHawk Blvd., east of the entrance of FishHawk Ranch, Jennifer Weyand of BouncePath Marketing, the company marketing the project says, "We are not prepared to make any announcements about the project at this time."

Maria Brous, director of media and community relations for Lakeland-based Publix, reports that at this time all she knows is that the store will be 45,000 sq. ft. and will open in 2006. For leasing information, contact Ryan Joyce at 239-278-1121.

Cool Off At Igloo Ices

Area residents, especially those transplanted from New York and New Jersey areas, will be thrilled when Igloo Ices Homemade Italian Ice opens in the River Hills Plaza at 4375 Lynx Paw Tr. in July.

The menu will feature 50 flavors and new flavors will be introduced each month.

Reminisce about childhood with water ice flavors like bubble gum, root beer and cotton or tantalize your taste buds with cool flavors like lemon, key lime and pina colada. For a sweeter treat, try the cream ices with flavors of banana foster, thin mint or cannoli. Sugar free and low carb ice also will be available.

Hours are tentatively set for 12 Noon-9 p.m., Sunday-Thursday and 12 Noon-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday.

Edward's Pipe & Tobacco Now Serving Area

Fine cigars are now within a short drive for residents in River Hills and surrounding communities as Edward's Pipe & Tobacco recently opened in Lithia Plaza at 4366 Lithia Pinecrest Rd.

If the name sounds familiar, Edward's Pipe & Tobacco has a location on Henderson Blvd. in Tampa and has supplier of fine cigars, pipes, pipe tobacco and quality smokers accessories since 1960. The company prides itself on excellent customer service and a knowledgeable staff.

The store features private rooms, leather chairs, a granite cigar bar, 42" plasma TV and a cigar club.

Products include custom pipe tobacco, custom carved Algerian briar pipes, cigars, and accessories. "We offer a huge selection and the Edward's Pipe & Tobacco brand is custom blended by hand right here in Tampa," says Scott Cabeza, who co-owns the business with Leonard Kronen.

Hours are Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more details, call 653-4282.

Johnny Carino's Taking Over Former Rio Bravo Site

Johnny Carino's Italian restaurant will open in late June or early July in the spot previously occupied by Rio Bravo on the corner of Lumsden and Providence roads. According to spokesperson Pamela Jones, some of the existing element within the structure will remain, while changes will be "adding the Carino's touch."

The 6,256 sq. ft. restaurant will seat 245 and Jones says the existing patio has been enclosed to create a fireplace dining room.

Johnny Carino's Italian is a casual, full service Italian concept with an innovative menu inspired from Southern Italian country recipes. Every dish is made to order from the freshest ingredients available. Nearly all menu items are available both individually or family-style. Specialty items include homemade lasagna, jalapeno garlic tilapia, lemon rosemary chicken and many others.

This will be the third Johnny Carino's location in Tampa. Hours have not yet been confirmed. For more details about local locations, visit www.adcarinos.com.

Railroad & Industrial Banking In River Hills

The new Railroad & Industrial Credit Union in River Hills may not have a drive-thru, but it does offer full member service during all of its working ours, which are Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

"We structured our hours to accommodate the local community," says branch manager Crystal Barker.

The full service bank offers teller transactions, member assistance, IRAs, CDs, checking accounts, check card, loans including mortgages and more.

"We have a full array of financial services," Says Barker. "Come on in and join. It's free too."

Additionally, the outdoor ATM is free to everyone. You do not have to be a member to use it.

Stop by and meet the staff consisting of tellers Maxine Trezevant and Teresa Perez and branch manager Barker. For information, call 621-6661.

Avenya Mortgage Ribbon Cutting June 8

Avenya Mortgage, a licensed correspondent lender, recently opened a new office at 1626 Hwy. 60 E., in Valrico (next to Cracker Barrel and Ruby Tuesday).

The company specializes in residential mortgages including purchase, refinance, home equity lines of credit, construction, lot loans and pool loans.

Founders, Mike Fitzgerald, a River Hills resident and Floyd Taylor of Valrico, are long-time local residents. Fitzgerald, who is the company's president and CEO states, "With over 35 loan officers and growing, our professional team has the experience to ensure that your home financing is handled expertly from pre-approval to closing and beyond."

A Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, June 8 at 12 Noon. Drinks, door prizes and finger foods will be served. For details, call 655-7646 or visit www.avenya.com.

Family Care Chiropractic Welcomes New Therapist

Janice Jones, a licensed massage therapist (LMT), recently joined Family Care Chiropractic and offers therapeutic relaxation massage.

While Jones considers herself "a relative latecomer to the field," she seems to have found her passion in massage therapy. She has a BA in Sociology and is a mother and a grandmother. Experience she feels is an excellent prerequisite to massage therapy. Regarding her degree, she says, " I feel this experience helps me to understand a bit more about the inner and outer lives of people."

Jones also spent the last two years studying Structural Energetic Therapy (SET). She explains that SET combines cranial/structural techniques (which initiate the unwinding of the holding patterns within the body) with soft tissue work (which releases the myofascial holding patterns). Thus, symptoms are reduced and structural balancing is initiated in the first session. "SET treats all myofascial layers from superficial to deep in every session, and is based on the needs of the client (not on a predetermined progression of treatment)," she adds.

She finds her job rewarding, "When my work is completed, it gives me a thrill to have someone come out of my office smiling, looking relaxed, and remarking how good he or she feel."

Family Care Chiropractic is owned by Dr. Gretchen Hess-Turzanski and is located in the River Hills Plaza at Lynx Paw Tr. Jones is available for appointments on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Call 240-2200 to set an appointment.

Drug Screen Solutions Introduces The Drink Detective

Drug Screen Solutions, located at 301 N. Parsons Ave., is now offering a brand new product call the Drink Detective to local establishments and the public.

The Drink Detective is a small card that tests drinks for the presence of Ketamine, GHB, and Benzodiazepines such as Rohypnol. These three drugs are most commonly used for date rape. The test is easy to use and provides quick and accurate results.

Persons or Establishments interested in purchasing the Drink Detective can contact Drug Screen Solutions 662-2182.

Design Center Featured At New Security Office

DCSI Inc., "Your Security Solutions Company," recently moved into its new, 1,000 sq. ft. office, located at 501 S. Falkenburg Rd., Suite C23. Once build-out is complete, customers will be able to visit the company's on-site design center that will showcase security products, camera systems, surround sound, intercom systems, camera and access systems, central vacuum, home theater, pool alarms and more, reports DSCI's vice president of sales Nelson Butera. For more details, call 267-2199.

Sand Dollar Offers Pool Repair

The heat of summer is already settling in; the time of year every family enjoys using their backyard pool. Don't let problems with your pool put a damper on your summer fun - call Bill Highsmith of Sand Dollar Pool Repair, Inc. of Lithia.

Highsmith, a lifelong Lithia resident and a baseball coach at Newsome High School, has more than seven years of experience in the pool repair business and recently decided to start his own business to service his friends and neighbors in the community.

Whatever the problem with your pool equipment, whether its motors, filters, re-plumbing or pump leaks, Highsmith can help with pool repair needs. The company services all of Hillsborough County, but focuses on the Brandon area. For further information, call 313-8393.

Flying Companions Available At New Pet Store

Finches, lovebirds, cockatoos and parrots --- you'll find them all at the recently opened 1 - 2 Tweet at 1335-e W. Brandon Blvd. plus cages, toys, food, supplies and a whole lot of knowledge.

Owners Kim and Brad Morton started breeding birds in 1987. The Ft. Lauderdale-based business grew to include more than 200 pairs of exotic pet birds and recently turned its focus to selling the birds directly to the public, so that they could educate new bird owners on different aspects of owning birds.

"We found a real need for customers to be more educated and assisted in how to select a pet birds for their family and on general care issues," says Brad. "We decided to open a retail store where our customers could interact with different bird species, match a species with their family and lifestyle and then learn general area issues before purchase. We looked at the West Coast of Florida and determined that the Tampa area was ripe for a strong companion bird retail store since there is no other in the Tampa area." So, the pair relocated to Brandon in early 2005.

In addition to the wide selection of companion pet birds and other related items, the store also offers bird grooming and boarding services.

To find out more, call 661-9194 or visit www.ottweet.com. The website is educational and offers "An Interview With Mr. Tweetie," that helps answer commonly asked questions about parrots.

The Online Outpost Sells Your Items on e-Bay

A new eBay based franchise just hit the Brandon area. The Online Outpost, an eBay listing service franchise, has opened its fourth store in the Tampa Bay area at 740 W. Brandon Blvd. The Online Outpost is a full service e-bay listing company that will assess an item's value on e-bay, take a high quality digital photograph of the item, write the description and launch the auction. Additionally, the company will handle correspondence and financial transactions with potential buyers, package and ship the item.

"We are excited about bringing this service to the Brandon market," says the company's area developer Richard Creed. Creed and his sister, Beth Fontes, have purchase the franchise rights to The Online Outpost for the entire Brandon area and hope to expand by opening and selling additional franchises in the area.

"We can put our customers' items in front of a world wide audience with this service," says Fontes, "And, it is ideal for those who just don't have the time or inclination to deal with eBay themselves."

Founded in 1995, eBay is the world's online marketplace for the sale of goods and services by a diverse community of individuals and businesses.

In addition to selling items to individuals, The Online Outpost will handle inventory liquidations for overstocked or closing businesses, and provide charity auctions for not for profits.

Another service the Online Outpost will offer will benefit area schools. Fontes suggests that if each parent donates an item that can be auctioned on eBay, a school or team of choice can benefit from the proceeds.

The basic listing is free if the items do not sell. Once sold, The On-line Outpost keeps 35 percent of the selling price. As a power seller, The Online Outpost is a respected seller on e-Bay and therefore is likely to sell the item more quickly and for more than an individual seller. For a complete list of the company's commission structure and more information on services, visit theonlineoutpost.com. To have your item evaluated, bring the item by our store at 740 W. Brandon Blvd. The phone number is 662-3312.

Cody's Original Roadhouse Opens New Brandon Location

Cody's Original Roadhouse, known for "Just Plain Good Food"® just opened its ninth location at 1414 W. Brandon Blvd. Cody's is known as a no frills, old fashioned, quality steakhouse and has other locations in St. Petersburg, Belleair Bluffs, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, Tampa, Spring Hill and Crystal River.

Guests at Cody's can view their flame-broiled USDA prime and choice western beef steaks being prepared in the open kitchen. Tubs of roasted Georgia peanuts are available throughout the restaurant, adding to the fun, casual atmosphere.

In addition to fine steaks, Cody's menu includes rotisserie chicken, baby back ribs with Cody's award winning BBQ sauce, fresh fish, and burgers grilled over open flames as well as appetizers, desserts and a variety of salads. Cody's also offers a full bar with cocktails, wines and draught beer.

Cody's signature nights include: Kids 10 and under eat free every Monday & Tuesday and on Thursday Cody's features its 10 oz. USDA Choice Top Sirloin for only $10.95.

Cody's opens at 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 12 Noon on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call 661-1444 for more information

Riverview Edition

Child Care Center Plans Fall Opening

Rosey Posey Child Care Center will open a 10,000 sq. ft. facility this fall on U.S. Hwy. 301, one-quarter mile north of Big Bend Rd.

Owned by Rose Byington Reid, affectionately known as "Miss Rosey Posey," the program is open to children ages 2-10 and will offer developmentally appropriate programs in a safe, healthy environment. Parental interaction and having fun while learning will be two cornerstones of the curriculum.

Byington-Reid graduated from Brewster Technical Center in Tampa, where she received her Child Development Associate equivalency certification. Additionally, she graduated from Learey Technical Center in Tampa with a Florida State Child Care Director certification. She is the mother of two grown daughters and grandmother of four grandchildren ages 2 through 13.

Rosey Posey Child Care Center will open at 6:00 a.m. Class hours are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Pick-up is no later than 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.roseyposey.com.

Summerfield Shoppes Welcomes New Businesses

The Summerfield Shoppes on Big Bend Rd. recently underwent renovations and new businesses are continuing to move into the plaza. Riverview Chiropractic Center is the latest to open at 11353 Big Bend Rd.

Dr. Steve Minafri has been practicing for more than 20 years and recently moved to the Riverview area. He offers chiropractic care for the whole family and specializes in personal injury work. Additionally, Riverview Chiropractic Center offers the latest in spinal care including cold laser and spinal decompression. Minafri explains that spinal decompression is not something that you will see in most offices but can offer a huge benefit, including an alternative to surgery for those suffering from disc bulges, herniated discs or sciatica.

Appointments are available Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m.-12 Noon and 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Call 677-2700.

Exit Realty Opens Apollo Beach Office

Exit Realty recently celebrated the grand opening of its new office in Apollo Beach with a ribbon cutting ceremony and reception.

Led by broker/owner Henry Brosnaham IV, the state-of-the-art office features two-stories of offices, conference rooms and a training room. There are currently 10 agents and more will be joining the team soon.

As part of the grand opening celebration, the office raised money for Habitat for Humanity. Brosnaham donated two coins made of silver from the World Trade Center. The coins, depicting images of the former building on one side and the new building, on the other, went for $450 each to Sean Keeney and Ronnie Swilley.

Exit Realty is a full service real estate company located at 400 Frandorson Cir. Suite 101. For more information, call 676-9010.

SouthShore Community Bank Receives State Approval

SouthShore Community Bank recently received conditional approval from the Office of Financial Regulation of the Florida Department of Financial Services in Tallahassee, and has raised approximately $6 million of the required $8 million. The bank's proposed location is 5998 U.S. Hwy. 41 N. in Apollo Beach, and it anticipates opening for business in the third quarter of 2005.

SouthShore Community Bank (IO) commenced a public offering of its shares in January 2005. Although the minimum offering is $8 million, the bank is targeting total initial capital of $10 million. Larry Tracy, the proposed President and CEO, believes that they will reach that goal by the time they close their offering, which is expected to occur in mid June. "The closer we get to opening our doors, the faster the stock subscriptions come in," stated Tracy, adding further that the pace of stock sales has recently picked up.

The organizing board of directors of SouthShore Community Bank is comprised of a group of business and community leaders, which include Dr. George Greenwell, Ron Knight, Tom Looker, Dr. Hal Ott, Bob Phillips, Gary Queen, Jay Sizemore, Jr., Glenda Spencer, Cris Stout, Marybeth Sultenfuss, proposed President and CEO Larry Tracy, and Bob Tronu, Jr.

Anyone who is interested in investing and would like to obtain a copy of the offering circular can do so by calling the bank at 649-9400 or the sales agent, Kendrick Pierce Securities, Inc. at 866-254-2265 ext. 205.

Visit Maison de Parfum In Winthrop

Maison de Parfum, a newly opened store in the Winthrop Town Centre, is the place to go to fill your senses. The elegantly decorated store offers more than 350 fragrances for both men and women and new scents arrive daily.

Owner Vijay Wadehera, affectionately known around town as "Stinky," started his business in the Peddler's Mall on S.R. 60 in November of 2000, while continuing to work a full time job. As business blossomed, he decided to return to his first love - retail, and made plans to open his store in the under-development Winthrop Town Centre.

"It is my current customers who discovered me at Peddler’s that gave me the courage to open at Winthrop. Without their support over the years I could not have reached this point. It is because of them that I got the confidence of bringing in exquisite and exclusive lines of perfumes and colognes to this area at Winthrop, which I think is the perfect venue for the products I carry," says Wadehera. He adds that he is also grateful to his wife Debbie Vaccarello , who supported him every step of the way.

In the near future, plans are to add a selection of high-end, platinum and diamond jewelry and to change to store's name to reflect the new inventory. No matter what the occasion, stop by the store located 11146 Winthrop Market St. (intersection of Providence Rd. and Bloomingdale Ave.). Store hours are Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For more details, call 657-6773.

Apollo Beach Massage Therapy Welcomes New Hire

Bill and Louise Smith are pleased to announce that Kristina Isacksen has joined Apollo Beach Massage Therapy. Isacksen is a licensed massage therapist specializing in deep tissue massage, neuromuscular massage and myofascial release. She is also experienced in prenatal, sports, hot stone and aromatherapy massage. She has a B.S. degree from the University of South Florida, and is a graduate of Somerset School of Massage Therapy in Wall, NJ. She and her husband, Scott, are residents of Mirabay in Apollo Beach, and have lived in the Tampa Bay area for six years.

The Smiths, who own Apollo Beach Massage Therapy, encourage neighbors to come in and meet the company's newest addition. "We hope you will stop by to meet her and to see our offices and therapy rooms and meet Kristina," says Louise. Appointments may be scheduled online at www.apollobeachmassagetherapy.com, or by phone at 641-9118.

Is Your Home Ready for Another Round of Extreme Weather?

Many homeowners were impacted by last year's stormy weather in Florida. With the hurricane season upon us once again, many people who own or are in the process of buying a home in the Tampa area are wondering, 'How healthy is my home?' A home inspection by a certified inspector at Waypoint Property Inspection can answer that question.

Waypoint is a Riverview-based property inspection business owned and operated by Bob Hintze, a fully certified property inspector. Having felt the impacts of last year's hurricanes, he knows how important it is for anyone owning or buying a home to fully understand its current conditions. "It seemed that almost all of the hurricanes had a bead on the Tampa area, but thankfully, we did not suffer a direct hit," he said. "However, it is important for all of us to know exactly what these storms did to our homes, and to ensure they are healthy enough to withstand what may be ahead of us." Hintze says that having a home inspected should be at the top of the list for current homeowners and for those who are in the process of purchasing a home.

Waypoint Property Inspection is available seven days a week for full service inspections. Call 671-0400. Usually inspections can be scheduled within 24-48 hours of calling. Homeowners can read more about property inspections and schedule an inspection at www.waypointinspection.com.

Johnny Carino's Taking Over Former Rio Bravo Site

Johnny Carino's Italian restaurant will open in late June or early July in the spot previously occupied by Rio Bravo on the corner of Lumsden and Providence roads. According to spokesperson Pamela Jones, some of the existing element within the structure will remain, while changes will be "adding the Carino's touch."

The 6,256 sq. ft. restaurant will seat 245 and Jones says the existing patio has been enclosed to create a fireplace dining room.

Johnny Carino's Italian is a casual, full service Italian concept with an innovative menu inspired from Southern Italian country recipes. Every dish is made to order from the freshest ingredients available. Nearly all menu items are available both individually or family-style. Specialty items include homemade lasagna, jalapeno garlic tilapia, lemon rosemary chicken and many others.

This will be the third Johnny Carino's location in Tampa. Hours have not yet been confirmed. For more details about local locations, visit www.adcarinos.com.

Aerial Photography Now Available

YBW Marketing International Group founded in 2001 in Sterling, Virginia has relocated to Tampa Bay and is offering marketing consulting services, seminars and training. This family-owned and operated consulting and multiple services firm, based in Riverview, is now offering aerial photograph services to Realtors, developers, businesses and the general public.

There are numerous uses for aerial photography: to showcase real estate on websites; to control construction project developments; to take vanity shots of houses; to promote marinas, golf courses and landscaping designs; to exhibit schools, colleges, hospitals, and corporate buildings on annual reports; to display in tradeshows and to indicate economic development. "The uses are infinite," explains, owner and marketing consultant, Yoemy Waller, who utilizes her husband, Forrest, as pilot for the photo projects.

"We can take virtual balcony pictures of condominiums that have not been built yet. The pictures show the prospective buyers the great views they will have," says Yoemy. The company's multimedia package services, which start at $150, include CD-ROMS, PowerPoint presentations, videos and printed pictures. They also provide limited right of use of the pictures for brochures, annual reports, calendars and websites.

"We use UAV's (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) to take the pictures; these planes are radio controlled and very maneuverable, have a camera mounted underneath that can take low altitude pictures up to 750 feet high. The equipment is Olympus digital and has up to 12.0 mega pixels resolution; which gives incredible detail," says Forrest.

Visit www.ybwmarketing.com to see a sample of photographs taken in the area.

Valrico Edition

Get New Floors Today

Are you looking for new flooring for your home? The Valrico location of Floors Today, recently opened on S.R. 60, and is celebrating by offering grand opening specials on laminate and hardwood floor styles.

According to the company's web site, Floors Today is a growing business founded by a family of experts with more than 30 years of experience in the flooring business.

Stop by for a free, no obligation quote.

Floors Today is located at 846 E. Brandon Blvd. and is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, call 651-9263 or visit www.floorstoday.com.

Avenya Mortgage Opens Valrico Office

Avenya Mortgage, a licensed Correspondent Lender, is proud to announce its new office opening at 1626 S.R. 60 E., next to Cracker Barrel and Ruby Tuesday restaurants.

Avenya Mortgage specializes in residential mortgages to include purchase, refinance, home equity lines of credit, construction, lot loans and pool loans.

Founders, Mike Fitzgerald of River Hills and Floyd Taylor of Valrico, are long-time local residents, who formerly ran Aclarian Mortgage, a Florida Correspondent Lender.

Mike Fitzgerald president & CEO states, "With over 35 Loan Officers and growing, our professional team has the experience to ensure that your home financing is handled expertly from pre-approval to closing and beyond."

For more information, visit the company's web site at www.avenya.com or call Fitzgerald at 655-7640.

Grand Opening for America's Home Place, June 25

America's Home Place, custom home builders, will be holding a grand opening celebration June 25 at its Regency Square Shopping (S.R. 60) location.

According to the new store's general manager, Joe Bethoney, the company's number one objective is to make the home building experience a good one for all customers.

"We have over 160 years of combined experience in 'on your lot' construction," says Bethoney. "Our staff of professionals includes a general contractor, three licensed residential contractors, a licensed roofer and a Florida licensed real estate broker."

The new sales office will offer customers the opportunity to see more than 80 custom home plans and designs for all types of housing needs and professional building consultants assist is choosing the best home plan for the customer.

There also is a color selection area with a variety of choices for roof, cabinet and counter top colors.

"This enables you to completely decorate your new home at one location and eliminate the burden of going to several different locations to make your choices," says Bethoney, who adds that all America's Home Place homes include a warrantee.

For more information, call 1-800-New House or visit www.AmericasHomePlace.com. The grand opening celebration on Saturday June 25 will take place at the store, located in the Regency Square Shopping Center on S.R. 60, between Marshall's and Staples.

Cool Off At Igloo Ices

Area residents, especially those transplanted from the New York and New Jersey areas, will be thrilled when Igloo Ices Homemade Italian Ice opens in the River Hills Plaza at 4375 Lynx Paw Trail in July.

The menu will feature 50 flavors and additional new flavors will be introduced each month.

Reminisce about childhood with water ice flavors like bubble gum, root beer and cotton candy or tantalize your taste buds with cool flavors like lemon, key lime and pina colada. For a sweeter treat, try the cream ices with flavors of banana foster, thin mint or cannoli. Sugar free and low carb ice also will be available.

Hours are tentatively set for 12 Noon-9 p.m., Sunday-Thursday and 12 Noon-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday.

Edward's Pipe & Tobacco Now Serving Area

Fine cigars are now within a short drive for residents in River Hills and surrounding communities, as Edward's Pipe & Tobacco recently opened in the plaza at 4366 Lithia Pinecrest Rd.

If the name sounds familiar, Edward's Pipe & Tobacco has a location on Henderson Blvd. in Tampa and has been a supplier of fine cigars, pipes, pipe tobacco and quality smokers accessories since 1960. The company prides itself on excellent customer service and a knowledgeable staff.

The store features private rooms, leather chairs, a granite cigar bar, 42" plasma TV and a cigar club.

Products include custom pipe tobacco, custom carved Algerian briar pipes, cigars and accessories. "We offer a huge selection and the Edward's Pipe & Tobacco brand is custom blended by hand right here in Tampa," says Scott Cabeza, who co-owns the business with Leonard Kronen.

Hours are Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more details, call 653-4282.

Family Care Chiropractic Welcomes New Therapist

Janice Jones, a licensed massage therapist (LMT), recently joined Family Care Chiropractic and offers therapeutic relaxation massage.

While Jones considers herself "a relative latecomer to the field," she seems to have found her passion in massage therapy. She has a BA in Sociology and is a mother and a grandmother. Experience she feels is an excellent prerequisite to massage therapy. Regarding her degree, she says, "I feel this experience helps me to understand a bit more about the inner and outer lives of people."

Jones also spent the last two years studying Structural Energetic Therapy (SET). She explains that SET combines cranial/structural techniques (which initiate the unwinding of the holding patterns within the body) with soft tissue work (which releases the myofascial holding patterns). Thus, symptoms are reduced and structural balancing is initiated in the first session. "SET treats all myofascial layers from superficial to deep in every session, and is based on the needs of the client (not on a predetermined progression of treatment)," she adds.

She finds her job rewarding, "When my work is completed, it gives me a thrill to have someone come out of my office smiling, looking relaxed, and remarking how good he or she feels."

Family Care Chiropractic is owned by Dr. Gretchen Hess-Turzanski and is located in the River Hills Plaza at Lynx Paw Tr. Jones is available for appointments on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Call 240-2200 to set an appointment.

Cody's Original Roadhouse Opens New Brandon Location

Cody's Original Roadhouse, known for their "Just Plain Good Food"® just opened its ninth location at 1414 W. Brandon Blvd. Cody's is known as a no frills, old fashioned, quality steakhouse and has other locations in St. Petersburg, Belleair Bluffs, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, Tampa, Spring Hill and Crystal River.

Guests at Cody's can view their flame-broiled USDA prime and choice western beef steaks being prepared in the open kitchen. Tubs of roasted Georgia peanuts are available throughout the restaurant, adding to the fun, casual atmosphere.

In addition to fine steaks, Cody's menu includes rotisserie chicken, baby back ribs with Cody's award-winning BBQ sauce, fresh fish and burgers grilled over open flames, as well as appetizers, desserts and a variety of salads. Cody's also offers a full bar with cocktails, wines and draught beer.

Cody's signature nights include: Kids 10 and under eat free every Monday and Tuesday, every Wednesday, it's buy one, get one free fajita, and on Thursday Cody's features its 10 oz. USDA Choice Top Sirloin for only $10.95 - regular price is $12.98.

Cody's opens at 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 12 Noon on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call 661-1444 for more information.

Johnny Carino's Taking Over Former Rio Bravo Site

Johnny Carino's Italian restaurant will open in late June or early July in the spot previously occupied by Rio Bravo on the corner of Lumsden and Providence roads. According to spokesperson Pamela Jones, some of the existing elements within the structure will remain, while changes will "add the Carino's touch."

The 6,256 sq. ft. restaurant will seat 245 and Jones says the existing patio has been enclosed to create a fireplace dining room.

Johnny Carino's Italian is a casual, full-service Italian concept with an innovative menu inspired by Southern Italian country recipes. Every dish is made-to-order from the freshest ingredients available. Nearly all menu items are available both individually or family-style. Specialty items include homemade lasagna, jalapeno garlic tilapia, lemon rosemary chicken and many others.

This will be the third Johnny Carino's location in Tampa. Hours have not yet been confirmed. For more details about local locations, visit www.adcarinos.com.

Railroad & Industrial Banking In River Hills

The new Railroad & Industrial Credit Union in River Hills may not have a drive-thru, but it does offer full member service during all of its working ours, which are Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

"We structured our hours to accommodate the local community," says branch manager Crystal Barker.

The full service bank offers teller transactions, member assistance, IRAs, CDs, checking accounts, check card and loans, including mortgages and more.

"We have a full array of financial services," says Barker. "Come on in and join. It's free too."

Additionally, the outdoor ATM that is free to everyone and you do not have to be a member to use it.

Stop by and meet the staff consisting of tellers Maxine Trezevant and Teresa Perez and branch manager Barker. For information, call 621-6661.

Drug Screen Solutions Introduces The Drink Detective

Drug Screen Solutions, located at 301 N. Parsons Ave., is now offering a brand new product call the Drink Detective to local establishments and the public.

The Drink Detective is a small card that tests drinks for the presence of Ketamine, GHB, and Benzodiazepines such as Rohypnol. These three drugs are most commonly used for date rape. The test is easy to use and provides quick and accurate results.

This is the first time such a test has been made available to the public and Drug Screen Solutions is proud to provide a product that has the public's safety in mind. The cost of one's peace of mind is minimal at $4.95 per test.

Persons or establishments interested in purchasing the Drink Detective, can contact Drug Screen Solutions at 662-2182.

Design Center Featured At New Security Office

DCSI Inc., recently moved into its new, 1,000 sq. ft. office, located at 501 S. Falkenburg Rd., Suite C23. Once build-out is complete, customers will be able to visit the company's on-site design center that will showcase security products, camera systems, surround sound, intercom systems, camera and access systems, central vacuum, home theater, pool alarms and more, reports DSCI's vice president of sales Nelson Butera. For more details, call 267-2199.

Flying Companions Available At New Pet Store

Finches, lovebirds, cockatoos and parrots --- you'll find them all at the recently opened 1 - 2 Tweet at 1335-E W. Brandon Blvd. Plus cages, toys, food, supplies and a whole lot of knowledge.

Owners Kim and Brad Morton started breeding birds in 1987. The Ft. Lauderdale-based business grew to include more than 200 pairs of exotic pet birds and recently turned its focus to selling the birds directly to the public, so that they could educate new bird owners on different aspects of ownership.

"We found a real need for customers to be more educated and assisted in how to select a pet bird for their family and on general care issues," says Brad. "We decided to open a retail store where our customers could interact with different bird species, match a species with their family and lifestyle and then learn general area issues before purchase. We looked at the west coast of Florida and determined that the Tampa area was ripe for a strong companion bird retail store since there is no other in the Tampa area." So, the pair relocated to Brandon in early 2005.

In addition to the wide selection of companion pet birds and other related items, the store also offers bird grooming and boarding services.

To find out more, call 661-9194 or visit www.ottweet.com. The website is educational and offers "An Interview With Mr. Tweetie," that helps answer commonly asked questions about parrots.

Valrico Artist's Jewelry On Display At Local Boutique

River Hills resident Theresa J. Anderson started her company, Aqua Gem Jewelry, less than a year ago and is pleased that her work is now available at Mandalay Mist Bronzing Spa & Boutique,

Anderson, a self-proclaimed "Jewelry Freak," says that the pieces that she creates are reflective of her company's name - Aqua Gem. "Eighty percent of my collection has a connection to the sea through materials," she says.

She crafts the pieces from pearls, corals and shells, integrating the colors of the ocean, the sand and beach surroundings. "I've also always been a beach lover and appreciate anything associated with the beach, such as shells and fish. So I decided to put the two together and make jewelry that is inspired by the sea," comments Anderson. "I especially love unusual pieces."

She also uses fresh water pearls, gemstones, sterling silver and glass to make necklaces, bracelets and earrings.

To see and purchase Anderson's designs, visit Manadlay Mist, located at 1602 Oakfield Dr., Suite 103. For more details, call 662-MIST.